Recommended method to clean loop?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 651465
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Deleted member 651465

Deleted member 651465

Hey guys,

I have a loop that's approaching 9 months old and I feel it would be a good time to replace the tubing and clean the system.

I don't particularly mind cleaning the rads, as they're easy to do, but I really don't want to disassemble my FC680 waterblocks. I plan to throw my EK HF supreme waterblock as the copper base is scratched to hell, and replace with new, so my only concern is for the 2x gpu waterblocks.

Do I:

1) Flush hot tap water through gpu blocks for 5 minutes, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times
2) Flush with isopropyl alcohol, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times
3) Flush with a few drops of bleach, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times

I've read conflicting advice whilst searching, and really only want a method that won't destroy the blocks, but clean out any potential build up and remove the traces of blue mayhem dye.

Thanks :)
 
EVH said:
Hey guys,

I have a loop that's approaching 9 months old and I feel it would be a good time to replace the tubing and clean the system.

I don't particularly mind cleaning the rads, as they're easy to do, but I really don't want to disassemble my FC680 waterblocks. I plan to throw my EK HF supreme waterblock as the copper base is scratched to hell, and replace with new, so my only concern is for the 2x gpu waterblocks.

Do I:

1) Flush hot tap water through gpu blocks for 5 minutes, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times
2) Flush with isopropyl alcohol, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times
3) Flush with a few drops of bleach, then flush with dionised water and biocide a few times

I've read conflicting advice whilst searching, and really only want a method that won't destroy the blocks, but clean out any potential build up and remove the traces of blue mayhem dye.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

This but you don't really need to flush with biocide after. Easiest method would be to set up a temporary loop next to your kitchen sink. Use a bucket as a reservoir and let it run for a while. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. When you're happy all the blue has gone run the same again but with deionised water. If your CPU block looks stained you may have to disassemble both blocks and give them a scrub.
 
Forgot to say, don't throw the CPU block away. EK will send you a replacement if you contact their customer service email and ask for a base plate.

I paid £9 for a replacement copper base just recently.
 
Last edited:
deFiniLoGy said:
Does EK have such nice RMA :eek:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't have thought so. I have never tried to RMA anything through EK but they did help when I asked for a replacement base plate. I paid for a copper one, they sent me the nickel. I complained, then they sent me the copper one for free. I guess it wasn't a completely awful experience :)
 
I've only dealt with EK RMA once, and that was when I first ordered my water blocks for my first WC build.

I emailed to change a part, and they changed it no problem. Then when I realised the part was going to be too small, I ordered a replacement part and emailed them again and they gave clear instructions on how I could send it back and get a refund. They also upgraded my shipping for free.

I've emailed them today asking about the base plate, so we'll see what they say :)

Back on topic.. I was going to rig a spare length of tubing to my utility room tap and just run the tap on hot for 5 minutes. The only PSU and pump I have are buried in my case, and don't fancy fishing them out just to flush the loop.
 
Question for my understanding on this really - would refilling with pastel coolant rather than dye eliminate the need for future cleaning?
 
To clean my watercooling setup:
(1)Wash all parts in tap water
(2)Push soggy tissue paper through tubing using long coat-hangar wire to remove insoluble gunge.
(3)Scrub inside of blocks
(4)Use diluted sulphuric acid to clean copper/nickel water blocks and pumps.
(5)Rinse with deionized water

I tried to find the EK RMA contact details when my GPU block arrived with bad springs but gave up and used my own springs instead.
 
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